Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has entered a new era of international travel with the completion of the Terminal D-West Pier expansion. Unveiled in October 2024, this milestone marks a key phase of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP), the single largest capital improvement project ever developed by Houston Airports.
The $1.46 billion initiative included a complete refresh of the existing Terminal D, the addition of the 160,000-square-foot D-West Pier, and the upcoming International Central Processor, set to be completed by summer 2025. With six new gates capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and space for up to 10 narrow-body planes, the expansion enhances IAH’s international travel capabilities to meet growing passenger demand.
The project goes beyond functional upgrades, incorporating local charm with eight Houston-inspired art installations. These additions earned the airport the prestigious Skytrax award for Best Airport Art & Entertainment Program. The terminal also introduces 16 new retail and dining options, blending local favorites like The Annie and The Kitchen with national staples such as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Popeyes.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire captured the spirit of the transformation, stating, “The newly expanded international terminal enhances Houston's reputation as a world-class city and provides a boost to our economy, supporting jobs and attracting more visitors from around the globe.”
A Collaborative Effort Across Teams
Under the guidance of Fentress Architects, the Terminal D-West Pier project was a collaborative effort involving numerous teams, including Burns Engineering and PGA Engineers. Burns played a key role, overseeing technology, fire alarms, and special systems such as displays, while security and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAT) were subcontracted to specialized firms.
“This project involved two years of construction, incorporating both temporary structures designed for a 20-year lifespan and permanent buildings built to last 50 years," noted a security specialist involved in the project. "A forward-thinking approach was essential to ensure that IT and security systems could accommodate future growth and evolving needs.”
Altronix: A Standard of Reliability and Scalability
At Houston Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the country, Altronix solutions play a vital role in ensuring smooth and secure operations. As an approved vendor for Houston Airport System (HAS) for over a decade, Altronix has been trusted for its reliability and scalability across all three Houston airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Hobby, and Ellington Field.
“The reason we use Altronix products over others is their reliability,” said Trent Bishop, IT Project Manager for Houston Airport System. “They’ve been a standard with HAS for well over 13 years, long before I joined the team.”
Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) are critical network hubs connecting devices like cameras and access controls to the central system. In high-traffic environments like airports, where even brief downtime can disrupt operations and compromise safety, reliable power is essential.
Strategically installing Altronix power supplies within these hubs ensures consistent, stable power delivery to vital systems such as surveillance, access control, and data management. With a proven track record in demanding environments, Altronix products maintain operational continuity and security.
Technology Focus: Altronix Solutions at Terminal D
"Houston Airport relies on Altronix solutions for the unwavering reliability they demand, while our scalable architecture ensures seamless growth alongside their future expansion," Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas for Altronix. "Engineered specifically for high-demand environments, our products are the perfect fit for mission-critical infrastructure, exemplified by their successful deployment in Terminal D."
Altronix provided tailored solutions to address the complex demands of modern airport operations, ensuring reliable power distribution and built-in safeguards to minimize downtime. With enhanced scalability and flexibility, these systems align seamlessly with HAS’s innovative approach to future-proofing its infrastructure, meeting the airport’s growing security needs.
The project incorporated over 400 cameras and 250 access-controlled security doors. To meet these rigorous requirements, PGA specified the Altronix Maximal3RD Access Power Controller for electronic locks. Its rack-mount design allows co-location with access control field panels, streamlining installation and maintenance. Additionally, the unit’s 16 PTC-protected outlets (auto-resettable) improve reliability by eliminating the need for manual reset of fuses or circuit breakers, ensuring secure door operation in this high-security environment.
The Altronix AL300ULX Series wall-mount power supply was also selected for powering magnetic door holders, providing the flexibility and dependability required to support seamless operation in high-traffic areas.
The Altronix Maximal3RD Access Power Controller and AL300ULX Power Supply Charger work together to deliver a centralized, dependable power solution. The AL300ULX is a regulated 12VDC or 24VDC power supply/charger, delivering up to 2.5A of continuous power with built-in battery backup to maintain uninterrupted operation during outages. Power is distributed through the Maximal3RD, which features multiple fused or PTC-protected outputs, LED indicators for easier troubleshooting, and a fire alarm interface for emergency shutdowns. Together, these components efficiently power electric locks, access control panels, and other critical devices, enhancing system reliability and performance.
“The Maximal3RD was chosen for its rack-mount design, which optimizes space and simplifies integration with access control panels,” said Ronnie Pennington. “Its PTC-protected outlets further enhance system reliability, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual resets.”
Navigating Challenges in a Live Airport Environment
The project wasn’t without its challenges. Construction crews had to work around active airport operations, particularly for the 11 existing gates, which remained functional during renovations.
“All work had to be scheduled at night or during periods when flights wouldn’t be impacted," explained a security expert familiar with the project. "This required adjustments for some contractor teams unaccustomed to night work, but the team adapted to ensure minimal disruption for passengers and to keep the project on schedule.”
Future-Proofing Houston’s Global Gateway
The Terminal D expansion exemplifies Houston Airports dedication to addressing today’s operational demands while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges. By implementing scalable, high-performance solutions like Altronix power systems and incorporating IT spaces designed for 25% future capacity, the project positions IAH to accommodate decades of growth and innovation.
As Bishop noted, reliability is paramount. Altronix’s enduring partnership with HAS shows its ability to deliver trusted performance consistently in mission-critical environments.
The Terminal D expansion is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a blueprint for sustainable growth, reflecting the power of collaboration, forward-looking technology, and strategic foresight to keep Houston at the forefront of international travel.
